The headline in the journal Nature was meant to grab attention, and it did. It read: 

‘The scandal of researchers paid less than a living wage.’

Poorly paid

The rest of the article built on that, saying, “The cost-of-living crisis is a fundamental threat for PhD scholars and early-career researchers. They need to be paid properly.”

So, just how poorly are these researchers – PhD candidates and postdoctoral students – paid? Well, according to one survey, salaries for PhD students in the biological sciences are below the cost of living at almost every institution in the United States. And imagine trying to live on a sub-standard income in a state as expensive as California?

The outrage comes from a survey of more than 3,200 students, three‑quarters of whom are PhD candidates. About 85 percent said inflation is making things worse, and nearly half said it is making it hard to finish their programs.

The situation is similar in other countries. In the UK, PhD students often receive the equivalent of $20,400—even after a recent $2,000 increase. Students there and in Ireland have staged protests, saying stipends are not enough to live on.

Closing the gaps

The Nature editorial argues this is more than an inconvenience—it threatens the future of science: “If students don’t have the resources to support themselves, they can’t fully commit to their training. If stipends don’t keep pace with rising living costs, the gaps will widen, with devastating consequences for attracting talent.”

That’s why CIRM ensures students in its internship programs have enough financial support. We know it’s hard to focus if you’re hungry or worried about paying bills.

When our Board approved a new internship program, COMPASS, they included funding for living expenses, course fees, and travel to conferences. The Board allocated more than $58,000 per student each year, supporting many students from low‑income communities who might not otherwise stay in school.

For our Bridges students—many also from low‑income communities or first‑generation college students—the Board allocated about $72,000 per student each year.

The future of regenerative medicine in California depends on a skilled, diverse workforce—not only PhDs but also technicians and support staff. Without a living wage, many students will drop out, and the field will suffer. Those hit hardest will be students from disadvantaged or historically marginalized communities.

We need to support these students however we can. Without adequate financial backing, the field will be much poorer.